LEONARDTOWN, MD – As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, St. Mary’s County officials are taking proactive steps to ensure community preparedness. The season, which spans from June 1 through November 30, marks a period of heightened risk for hurricanes and tropical storms. The Department of Emergency Services (DES) emphasizes the importance of readiness as severe weather can occur outside these months as well.
To aid residents in their preparations, the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is organizing a self-service sandbag pickup event. Scheduled for June 1, from 8 a.m. to noon, the event will be held at the St. Andrews Landfill on 44837 St. Andrews Church Road. This initiative encourages residents to stock up on sandbags in advance of storm threats. Sandbags will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a limit of 10-25 bags per person.
Commissioner President James R. Guy stressed the unpredictability of storm systems and the importance of early preparation. “Distributing sandbags in advance is the best way to ensure our residents have what they need should a storm system threaten our area,” he stated.
In conjunction with sandbag distribution, community partners and DES will provide free hurricane preparedness supplies and vital information to help residents gear up for potential emergencies.
Residents are advised to assemble an emergency kit and create a robust plan that accommodates all family members, including infants, the elderly, those with functional needs, and pets. Essential items for a home kit include a flashlight, batteries, blankets, spare clothing, a battery-operated radio, hygiene supplies, medications, a first aid kit, and sufficient food and water.
The county also encourages residents to familiarize themselves with their evacuation zone and routes, maintain a full gas tank, and discuss communication strategies with loved ones for use before, during, and after an emergency. Signing up for local emergency notifications through the county’s CodeRed system is recommended for real-time alerts.
Other preparatory measures include securing outdoor items, clearing drains, considering hurricane shutters, checking on neighbors, particularly the vulnerable, and knowing how to operate main utility controls in the home.
For more information on how to prepare for the hurricane season and other potential emergencies, residents can visit the county’s emergency management page at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/em.
